It had been ages since my last visit to Shangri-La Far Eastern Taipei, and as the saying goes, why fix what isn’t broken? Given our previous delightful stay, returning felt less like a gamble and more like a guaranteed indulgence, especially as we were celebrating our anniversary (because nothing says romance like a reliably pampered experience).
Check-in was smooth & pleasantly fuss-free. We were warmly welcomed by Beatrice at the front desk, who casually dropped the excellent news that we’d been upgraded to a Deluxe 101 Tower View Room, always a good way to win hearts early. Naturally, curiosity got the better of me, and I cheekily asked about a Premier Room. Beatrice, ever so patient, showed me the only one available. After a quick inspection (and noting its strategic proximity to the lifts, perfect for insomniacs, less so for light sleepers), I wisely took her advice & stayed put.
Our room was elegant, with stunning views of Taipei 101. A plate of fresh fruits & Taiwanese sweets greeted us, lovely touch. But wait, there’s more. As part of our anniversary celebration, we returned later to find a bottle of red wine & a mini chocolate cake chilling in the fridge. Subtle? No. Appreciated? Absolutely.
Breakfast here is not just a meal, it’s a full-blown international summit. From Western staples to an impressively extensive Japanese spread, Taiwanese favourites, dim sum, noodles, & even an Indian section with curries and snacks, your biggest challenge will be deciding where to start (& how many rounds you can realistically manage). Freshly squeezed juices & an admirable fruit selection seal the deal.
Now, not everything sparkled quite as brightly. With my Shangri-La Jade membership, I opted to convert my US$10 credit into a TWD300 laundry credit. I sent in one humble T-shirt for washing (priced at TWD418 net, because apparently this was no ordinary spa day for my shirt). Unfortunately, it returned… still carrying the unmistakable “essence of previous wear.” Yes, it was ironed beautifully, I might add, but clean? Debatable!
I raised this with Wesley from room service, who inspected the situation & agreed that the laundry had, shall we say, missed the mark. A discount was offered, which I vehemently declined, after all, paying more than US$10 for one not-so-clean shirt felt like a bold new concept I wasn’t quite ready to embrace. To his credit, Wesley handled the situation professionally, waived the charge entirely, and offered a rewash. Given my imminent departure in three hours & my newly shaken confidence in the laundry process, I graciously declined.
Lunch at Shang Palace was an experience worth mentioning. The dim sum selection was excellent, alongside a wide array of Cantonese dishes, all executed to a high standard. It’s not the cheapest meal you’ll have in Taipei, but it’s certainly one of the more satisfying ones.
The gym, while not showcasing the latest high-tech equipment, is more than adequate for a decent workout. There’s also a spa area reminiscent of a Japanese onsen, complete with a relaxation room, perfect for unwinding. The rooftop pool, though modest in size, offers sweeping views of Taipei’s skyline, which more than compensates.
In line with environmental efforts, the hotel has scaled back on in-room toiletries. However, they’re readily available upon request, so no need to panic-pack your entire bathroom.
All in all, Shangri-La Far Eastern Taipei remains a dependable luxury haven where attentive service & excellent facilities are the norm… just perhaps keep a close eye on your laundry expectations.
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